Sweet Doe Company began with the purchase of a milking goat at the local sale barn after an intolerance for cow milk was discovered in the family. From there, that one small purchase sparked a passion that grew into a modern-day creamery producing lactose-friendly goat milk products.
Sweet Doe Co. currently makes a goat milk frozen dessert bar. However, after being recently announced as a recipient of the Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grant, they are looking to expand their product lineup.
The Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grant Program offers competitive matching grants of up to $100,000 per project with one-to-one support required to support on-farm dairy processing and labor-saving technologies.
Sweet Doe Co. was awarded $2,071.90 through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for the company to purchase a freeze dryer, freeze-dry tray stackers, ice cream maker, and popsicle molds.
“This grant afforded us the equipment we were lacking in order to create pints, ice cream sandwiches, cakes, and freeze-dried bars,” they shared. “We are excited to provide goat milk ice cream novelties that everyone can enjoy.”
Sweet Doe Co. can be found at events and farmers markets throughout Southeast Iowa. Additionally, they have begun selling in retail locations and encourage anyone to reach out if they believe their local grocery store is missing premium goat milk ice cream. You can follow along in their journey and event updates through their Facebook.
A total of 11 Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grants, including Sweet Doe Co., were announced last week during a Dairy Month visit by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. More information on the other recipients and the Choose Iowa grant program can be found here.